Infrastructure Development for Expanded Access to Long Thanh Airport

Key pointsLong Thanh International Airport is scheduled to begin trial operations and commercial flights by the end of 2026. Infrastructure development from Ho Chi Minh City is progressing rapidly, particularly the construction of the Thu Thiem-Long Thanh route connecting the city to the airport. This is expected to maximize the capacity of the country's largest international airport.
Business impactJapanese companies should monitor this situation and assess its impact on related transactions, contracts, and local operations.

Key pointsHa Tinh Province held an investment promotion conference in Moscow on September 1, 2026, emphasizing the expansion of cooperation in economic, trade, and investment sectors based on the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Russia. The province is particularly calling for investments in high-tech industries, logistics, and tourism, with Russian participants showing interest in Vietnam's economic development.
Business impactJapanese companies can strengthen their access to the Russian market by leveraging investment opportunities in Ha Tinh Province. Strategic investments in high-tech and logistics sectors are essential for enhancing competitiveness.

Key pointsVietnam has set ambitious growth targets based on the achievements of 40 years of reform, aiming to enhance economic independence, strengthen corporate power, and improve citizens' living standards. A transformation of the economic model is required, emphasizing growth based on science, technology, and innovation, with plans to become a modern industrial nation by 2030 and a developed country by 2045. This is expected to lead to sustainable growth and improved international competitiveness.
Business impactJapanese companies need to reassess their investment strategies in line with Vietnam's economic growth. Capturing business opportunities in science, technology, and innovation sectors is crucial, along with focusing on improving workforce quality and productivity as the economic model transforms.

Key pointsROX Group reflects on its 30 years of growth in Vietnam and is currently participating in large-scale projects in Central Asia. Through its experiences since inception, the company has built trust and achieved operations in line with international standards. Currently, ROX is developing 14 industrial parks, creating over 82,000 jobs, and attracting more than 600 investors.
Business impactROX's growth serves as an important reference for Japanese companies. In particular, building long-term trust and adapting to international standards are key factors for enhancing competitiveness. Companies need to focus on talent development and organizational culture transformation, similar to ROX.

Key pointsProjects for APEC 2027 are ongoing across Vietnam even during national holidays. Notably, on Phu Quoc Island, approximately 15,500 workers are continuing construction, with significant building activities taking place. In Hanoi, work on the Tran Hung Dao Bridge is progressing, with the first steel installation completed. These constructions are part of essential infrastructure development for the APEC event.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, the progress of these constructions may impact investment plans and project schedules. Companies involved in the construction sector need to focus on securing labor and adhering to deadlines.

Key pointsVietnam's first $3 trillion oil refinery, the Dung Quoc Refinery, received 1.25 million barrels of crude oil during the National Day celebrations. This refinery accounts for about 30% of the country's oil demand and has ensured stable supply through this crude oil intake.
Business impactThe stable operation of this refinery indicates energy supply reliability for Japanese companies, making it a crucial factor for future business developments.

Key pointsLeaders of Bac Thang Province expect Bayer, a German company, to explore cooperation opportunities in modern agriculture and healthcare in Vietnam, particularly in Bac Thang Province. The establishment of direct flights between Vietnam and Germany and the proposal to make labor cooperation a key pillar of the strategic partnership have also been suggested. Bayer is expanding its activities in Vietnam in agricultural technology and health management.
Business impactJapanese companies may leverage collaboration with Bayer to capitalize on opportunities for technological innovation and talent development in agriculture and healthcare. Particularly in agricultural projects, utilizing Bayer's expertise is expected to enhance competitiveness.

Key pointsHo Chi Minh City has digitized four administrative procedures, including birth registration, permanent residence registration, issuance of health insurance cards, and identity cards for children under six years old. This allows for online processing, which is expected to expedite the procedures.
Business impactJapanese companies can utilize the digitized procedures to enhance the efficiency of administrative tasks, leading to faster business operations.

Key pointsHo Chi Minh City has reviewed the conditions for land division and announced a new minimum division area of 36 square meters. This new land policy, effective from January 1, 2026, aims to meet the actual needs of social security, including significant changes related to land recovery, resettlement, and urban development. Improved efficiency in land use is expected as a result.
Business impactJapanese companies need to understand the new regulations regarding land use and consider appropriate responses, especially in real estate development and investment planning. It is crucial to reassess strategies for land acquisition and use before the new policies take effect.

Key pointsOn National Day 2026, 15,500 technicians and workers celebrated at the APEC construction site in Phu Quoc in a special manner. They sang the national anthem and continued working despite the holiday. The site expressed patriotism through sweat, responsibility, and anticipation for APEC 2027.
Business impactSuch celebrations on National Day can boost worker morale and positively impact project progress. Japanese companies should also respect local culture and holidays while striving to improve the working environment.

Key pointsAirstrikes have resumed between the United States and Iran, causing a sharp increase in oil prices. This has led to a decline in the US stock market and heightened geopolitical risks. As Vietnam imports oil, there are concerns about rising prices and impacts on growth rates, particularly with potential increased investment in energy-related sectors.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, rising oil prices mean increased energy costs and logistics expenses, which could affect manufacturing supply chains. It is essential to monitor market trends and consider appropriate responses.

Key pointsInternational gold prices have fallen to a two-week low due to concerns over rising interest rates. In August, gold prices rose by 10%, marking the largest monthly increase of the year, but short-term expectations of interest rate hikes are diminishing gold's appeal. In the Vietnamese economy, fluctuations in gold prices affect personal asset allocation and investment sentiment. Notably, the decline in gold prices may encourage capital inflows into the stock market; however, rising interest rate concerns could pose headwinds for the stock market.
Business impactFor Japanese companies, fluctuations in exchange rates and financing costs due to interest rate expectations may have indirect effects. Particularly when considering investments in the Vietnamese stock market, it is important to balance gold and dong-denominated assets in asset allocation.